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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the four dialogues did not occur at the same time as the others?

2. Where was Socrates being prosecuted?

3. How were the four dialogues in "The Last Days of Socrates" chosen?

4. Socrates was, supposedly, inspired by which of the Athenian deities?

5. What word is used, by Tarrant, to describe Socrates' manner at his trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is included in the introductory material which prefaces the book?

2. What evidence does Euthyphro use to support his decision?

3. Why was the Apollonian Oracle at Delphi created?

4. How do Socrates and Euthyphro describe the relationship between deities and mortals?

5. Who are Apollo and Artemis?

6. What was the outcome of Socrates' trial?

7. What does Tarrant warn readers about, regarding Socrates, and the various literary characters based on him?

8. In the context of the dialogue of the same name, what does "apology" mean?

9. What does Tarrant say about Socrates' participation in the battle at Thrace?

10. Who wrote the introduction to the Euthyphro?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plato referred to himself in the dialogues, but only in passing, as one of Socrates' many friends. Why do you think this is so? Do you think that Socrates considered Plato to be "special" amongst his students and friends? Why or why not? Do you think Plato's representation of himself in the dialogues is an accurate representation of his true relationship with Socrates, as he perceived it? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Many of the dialogues have to do with the concept of epistemology. What is epistemology? What does it have to do with philosophy? Why is it important? Why did Socrates concern himself with it? Are they ever able to reach a definitive conclusion? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Socrates denies the accusation that he tries to teach; he claims that he is only an ignorant man who is inquisitive in an effort to gain knowledge. How sincere do you think his profession of ignorance is? Do you think he really believes it? Or is it simply an effort to circumvent the pride of learned men and get them to talk to him, even though he is challenging their beliefs? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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